The Benefits of Underwater Treadmill Hydrotherapy
Underwater treadmill hydrotherapy can be used for a variety of orthopedic and neurologic conditions. It is also useful as part of sports training and fitness programs.
The water’s buoyancy reduces weight bearing and allows for increased range of motion. The added resistance of water helps improve muscle strength, balance and cardiovascular endurance.
It’s Safe
The most common reason why people choose to use an underwater treadmill is to help them regain their strength and mobility after injury. This type of rehabilitation can be particularly beneficial for patients who have a variety of injuries, such as ankle sprains, fractures and ACL reconstructions.
Water is naturally resistant, which means it helps reduce pain and swelling. The buoyancy of the water also helps to support the joints and muscles.
Many veterinary therapists use an underwater treadmill to help their patients with joint and muscle problems, such as arthritis. It’s also a great way to strengthen the legs and upper body.
The physiotherapist can control the depth, speed, and incline of the treadmill to provide the best treatment possible for each patient. In addition, the physiotherapist can work with the pet’s weight-bearing ability, which is important for those pets who are weak or can’t bear weight due to pain.
In the first few sessions, the physiotherapist will adjust the settings of the treadmill to allow your pet to safely walk on the treadmill and to ensure that they are using the correct gait pattern. This will encourage your dog to regain a normal gait pattern after their injury.
Your physiotherapist will also work to increase the intensity of your pet’s workout as the injury heals and their strength increases. This can happen through a combination of exercises and accessories that are designed to fit your pet’s needs and abilities.
Another option is to add jets to the underwater treadmill, which can increase the turbulence of the water and cause your pet’s muscles to exert more force. This can be used with athletes, geriatric patients that have become weak from inactivity and patients with degenerative joint disease (Figure 4).
Your physiotherapist can design the number of underwater treadmill sessions your pet will need to regain their mobility and strength. The physiotherapist will take into consideration your pet’s injury or condition, their underwater treadmill accessibility to the machine, and how long they have been in therapy.
It’s Effective
Underwater treadmill therapy is a safe, effective and affordable form of exercise. It promotes early range of motion and flexibility, enhances muscle strength, improves cardiovascular fitness and reduces pain and swelling. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions including arthritis, osteoporosis, geriatric patients and sports injuries.
It can also be beneficial for a patient recovering from surgery and managing a neurological condition like a stroke or degenerative myelopathy. Studies show that 8 weeks of underwater treadmill therapy improves leg and gait strength and walking performance.
The water’s turbulence increases the exertion level of exercise, increasing the cardiovascular and muscular demand while reducing stress on the joints. This increases the effectiveness of underwater treadmill exercise for many patients who may not be able to perform land-based exercises safely or effectively.
Several research studies have shown that underwater treadmill exercise is just as effective as land-based treadmill exercise for improving aerobic fitness, cardiovascular strength, and muscle mass. Additionally, it is a non-impact form of exercise which can improve the quality of life for patients with arthritis and other health challenges who cannot do traditional land-based exercise.
These benefits are even more apparent for those who have a chronic illness or are suffering from a long-term injury. Underwater treadmill therapy can help patients overcome pain, increase mobility and strengthen muscles to help prevent future joint pain and injury.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine found that 8 weeks of underwater treadmill exercise improved balance and walking ability in patients with iSCI, a condition involving the loss of function in the spinal cord. This resulted in improved mobility and independence.
Patients with cardiac or respiratory disease can also benefit from underwater treadmills. However, they should be monitored closely during their exercise program to ensure that the cardiorespiratory demands are not exceeded. Short, repeated sessions of exercise and rest (initially walk one minute, then rest two minutes and repeat twice) can be used to maximize the effect of this type of exercise on these patients.
The only drawback to underwater treadmills is that they are bulky and difficult to transport, so they should be purchased before being a permanent part of your home or office. Fortunately, some manufacturers offer the option to break them down into smaller pieces and pre-assemble them.
It’s Affordable
If you’re looking for a way to exercise without placing stress on your joints and muscles, underwater treadmills are an ideal choice. The anti-gravity effects of water help reduce the risk of falling, and the water’s resistance provides a challenging workout.
Underwater treadmills also allow athletes to load up on mileage without the wear and tear often associated with running on pavement. They can also be a helpful tool for those coming back from injury, as the water’s resistance and buoyancy help reduce stress and strain.
There are several different models of underwater treadmills available. Some are simple to use, underwater treadmill while others require special training and certification.
The Aquabilt is one example of an affordable unit that’s easy to use and compact enough to fit in a home spa. The device can be positioned at various angles and has a dual platform, so it can offer a variety of resistance workouts.
Another option is the HydroWorx 300, which is a self-contained underwater treadmill that fits through a standard 36-inch door. It can be purchased with options like pediatric handrails and a ramp platform for wheelchair access.
If you’re interested in buying an underwater treadmill, you can get a great deal by shopping around for the best price. You can find these at a number of retail outlets and online.
An underwater treadmill can also be rented from a health center or sports training facility. You can pay a small fee for a session, which usually runs about $30 for a 30-minute session.
Unlike land-based exercise, water walking and running can be easier on your joints, which makes them an excellent option for senior citizens, people with physical disabilities or those recovering from a stroke. It can also help to improve lean body mass and overall fitness.
Some companies even travel with their own portable underwater treadmills so that they can bring them to rehab centers and medical facilities. For instance, HydroWorx recently rolled out a recreational vehicle that houses its new 300 series of self-contained underwater treadmills, which are designed to fit through standard doorways.
It’s Fun
An underwater treadmill is a great way to add some oomph to your workout routine. They’re also a good choice for people with joint pain, arthritis, and injuries.
The best part is that you don’t have to be a swimmer to use one of these machines. Many therapists will recommend using one as part of your treatment plan. You’ll need to pay a fee, however, and this varies depending on the company you’re dealing with.
It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if you have any coverage for these types of treatments. Most medical insurance companies will cover at least part of the cost, and some may offer free trial options. It’s also a good idea to shop around for the best price. You’ll want to find the most reputable therapists in your area to ensure you get the best results possible. Luckily, there are several companies to choose from, including the leading manufacturers in this category. They all produce quality products at competitive prices, so you should be able to find the best one for your needs. The most important thing to remember is that it’s always best to ask a question before making a purchase, so you can be sure you’re getting the best value for your money.
